Marsh Hen, Teal Seasons Open Soon in South Carolina
September 16, 2008
The migratory bird hunting seasons for marsh hens (rails) and teal will soon open.
The two-part season for marsh hens—including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails—and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be from Sept. 15–Sept. 20 and Oct. 13–Dec. 15. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules are 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Lead shot is legal for rail hunting, except that non-toxic shot is required on National Wildlife Refuges. Â
The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept. 19-27. The daily bag limit is four birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset (not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons). Nontoxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting.
For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.
South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Additionally, participants in the September Canada Goose season and the early teal season must have the Federal Waterfowl Stamp and SC Waterfowl Permit. Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30, 1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger hunters.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.
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Proposed Game Code Changes for 2009 - 2012 Hunting Seasons in New Jersey
September 16, 2008
The following first appeared in the August 2008 Hunting Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST, page 80.
Changes to hunting regulations are established by the Fish and Game Council through revisions to the Game Code. The Council voted to accept the following Game Code amendments on April 8,2008 (pdf, 24kb), which, if approved, are scheduled to be effective in 2009. They are presently under attorney review and will be published in the NJ Register when that review is complete. A public comment period will follow publication in the Register. NOTE: These changes WILL NOT be in effect for the 2008-09 seasons.
RABBIT and HARE
Opening day of rabbit season will move forward from the second week in November to the last Saturday in September.
The opening day of small game traditionally starts on the Saturday closest to November 10 to allow farmers time to harvest crops. This proposal maintains that tradition by keeping the November opening day timing for pheasants, chukar and quail. An earlier rabbit/hare season should not interfere with farming activities since rabbit hunting involves hedgerows, old fields and most often uses a dog to flush and chase game back to the stationary hunter. An earlier open also provides ample opportunity for rabbit/hare hunters to enjoy their sport when rabbit populations are most abundant plus will allow hunting on WMAs without encountering bird hunters and trappers. Private landowners can choose not to allow the earlier open on their property.
FISHER
Add fisher to the Game Code in the section covering raccoon, fox, opossum, weasel and coyote trapping, with a closed season.
New Jersey is at the southern portion of the fisher’s natural range; restoration projects are ongoing in New York and Pennsylvania. It is believed that fisher may be migrating southwest into New Jersey from New York’s Catskill Mountains. There have been two confirmed sightings (Frelinghuysen Twp., Warren County 2004; Stokes State Forest, Sussex County 2006), and seven unconfirmed sightings from June through December 2007. Game species designation will clarify the fisher’s status as a protected furbearer with a closed season.
COYOTE
Increase the coyote season length for the special permit night season.
The current season runs from the second week of January to the third week in February. The proposal opens the season from January 1 through March 15 plus removes the bag limit. Coyotes are well established through all 21 counties. Damage complaints have increased and attacks on humans have occurred. An increased number of permit applications prove an increased hunter interest.
GROUSE
Create two hunting zones divided by Rt. 70 with seasonally-adjusted opening days.
This confers some protection to the southern population where suitable habitat is in short supply.
WILD TURKEY
There are three proposed changes for turkey.
1. Open spring turkey season one week later, decreasing the season length by one week.
Spring seasons should coincide with the onset of egg incubation by hens. A cooperative research project among eastern states shows that the optimal time for a season opener is around April 25 for northern New Jersey and April 20 for the south. Under this proposal, opening days would fall between April 19 and 26. A later opener will disturb clutching hens less, plus should reduce illegal hen harvest. A later date will also better coincide with the second peak in gobbling activity, as more hens will be on the nest and fewer will be with toms. This proposal will help offset the turkey population decline of the past several years in the central portion of the state. 2. Redefine the boundaries of Turkey Hunting Areas (THAs) 15, 20 and 21.
Turkey harvest densities have increased in the southern portion of THA 15 over the past 10 years. The southern part of THA 15 will be moved into THAs 20 and 21. This adjustment will open up the shifted areas to fall turkey hunting. The transfer of the appropriate number of permits from THA 15 to THAs 20 and 21 has been calculated based upon land area and hunter densities.3. Remove THAs 6, 7 and 10 from the fall hunting season.
The criteria to open a THA for fall hunting is an annual harvest of greater than or equal to one gobbler per square mile of turkey habitat for three consecutive years. If the gobbler harvest in a THA open to fall hunting drops to below 0.75 gobblers/mile sq. for three years in a row, that THA will be removed from the fall hunting season. THAs 6, 7 and 10 meet the criteria for removal.
WHITE-TAILED DEER
There are seven proposed changes for deer.
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1. Expand the use of crossbows to all hunters during the three existing archery seasons. (For more on this proposal, see the feature article, Crossbows: Coming to a Treestand Near You?.) 2. Grant authority to the Fish and Game Council to shift the assignment of a deer management zone (DMZ) into a different deer regulation set, provided certain criteria are met. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
Amendments to the Game Code formerly followed an annual cycle; currently, a three year cycle is in effect to accommodate the regulatory process. With the authority to make changes within this three year cycle, the Council can affect a timely response to unforeseen or undesirable deer population changes to better achieve deer management goals, and to avert potentially damaging situations.3. Add a new “Regulation Set 9″ to the existing deer regulation sets. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
The regulations in the proposed Regulation Set 9 will be more liberal than the most liberal, existing Regulation Set 8Harvest results from the 2007-08 deer seasons show an antlerless deer harvest reduction during this first year of regulation changes in the Set 8 DMZs. These changes included the removal of the Earn-A-Buck regulation from all seasons except the first three weeks of the Fall Bow Season, and moving the antlerless-only days of Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader seasons from the week of Thanksgiving to the week after Thanksgiving. The proposed Regulation Set 9 will allow the Council to respond to an undesired population growth, should current harvest trends continue.
Regulation Set 9 will have four additional days of antlerless-only hunting for both the Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader seasons during Thanksgiving week. Data from previous years shows a significant portion of the overall antlerless harvest occurred during these early November days.
4. Add a new “Regulation Set 0″ to existing deer regulation sets. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
The regulations in the proposed Regulation Set 0 will be more restrictive than the most restrictive existing Regulation Set 1.Certain DMZs in Regulation Sets 2 and 3, namely Zones 21, 23, 24, 34, 43, 45 and 46, have experienced harvest declines; all are below their population goal. Harvest data from the past six years shows the majority of the antlerless harvest being taken during the Permit Muzzleloader Season. Adoption of a more restrictive regulation set will allow the Council to increase deer populations in DMZs having less productive habitat.
Regulation Set 0 will reduce the Permit Muzzleloader Season by four days and reduce the antlerless bag limit to one per season.
5. Implement a Deer Management Assistance Program.
Fish and Wildlife has proposed a plan for landowners to better cope with undesirable deer densities on their properties while utilizing the current hunting season regulations and hunters to remove additional antlerless deer. The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) would be available for the 2009-10 deer seasons. See the Deer Management Assistance Program page for details.6. Change regulation sets for DMZs 18, 22 and 26. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
These zones have been experiencing declines in harvest and/or are below the population goal. Zones 22 and 26 will be moved from Set 4 to Set 3; Zone 18 will be moved from Set 3 to Set 2. Moving these zones down one regulation set into more a set with more restrictive seasons will allow moderate population increases.7. Change a portion of the boundaries between Zones 23 and 25.
A portion of the boundary between Ancora and Hammonton running along Blue Anchor Brook and Albertson Brook will be changed to Routes 30 and 206. The brooks comprising part of this border are run seasonally. Changing the boundary to roadways will provide a more definitive border between zones.
Until formal adoption of the proposed Game Code amendments all the above changes are tentative. Interested individuals welcome to submit written comments and/or speak at the public hearing regarding any or all of these proposals. Watch the Division of Fish and Wildlife homepage for an announcement about publication of the proposed amendments in the NJ Register. Subscribers to the Hunting E-mail List will be notified automatically - see the E-mail Lists page for details and to subscribe.
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2008-09 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits Selected in Pennsylvania
August 26, 2008
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the agency has made its selections for the 2008-09 migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits.
“Waterfowl and migratory game bird hunters will see some changes, including modifications to the Canada goose zone boundaries and expanded opportunities for wood ducks, Atlantic brant and doves,” Roe said. “However, the season for canvasbacks has been closed for 2008-09, and bag limits for scaup have been modified.”
Annual waterfowl seasons are selected by states from a framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Game Commission selections were made after reviewing last year’s season results, waterfowl survey data, and input gathered from waterfowl hunters and the public. Final approval from the USFWS is expected by late September.
In addition to releasing waterfowl seasons, Roe also noted that the Game Commission again has posted the waterfowl seasons brochure and maps on its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us
). The agency currently is mass-producing brochures to be distributed to U.S. Post Offices within the next two weeks.
“Many hunters already have purchased their hunting licenses and federal waterfowl stamps in anticipation of the season,” Roe said. “For their convenience, in addition to being able to pick up the waterfowl brochure and maps at post offices and license issuing agents, hunters can obtain this important information from the Game Commission’s website.”
John Dunn, Game Commission Game Bird Section supervisor, said the federal frameworks are again allowing for a 60-day season with a six-duck daily bag limit, with the usual species restrictions and bag limits, except for wood ducks, canvasbacks and scaup. Wood duck limits have been increased to three daily and six in possession. While the season for canvasbacks has been closed, bag limits for scaup have been modified to a two-bird daily bag limit for a portion of the season and a one-bird daily limit for the remainder of the season.
“Recent analysis of wood duck harvest rates and populations by the USFWS suggests wood ducks can tolerate more hunting pressure than currently exists,” Dunn said. “An increase in the wood duck daily bag limit will provide more opportunity on this plentiful duck species. Wood ducks are the second most abundant duck in Pennsylvania’s waterfowl harvest. Monitoring tools such as banding and breeding population surveys are presently in place to measure any impacts caused by the bag limit change on wood ducks. Information gained from this bag limit change will help the USFWS and flyway councils develop a wood duck harvest strategy to help better manage this important duck species.”
Dunn noted that a decline in the canvasback breeding population and poor habitat conditions in their prairie nesting habitats have made it necessary to close the season this year, since the predicted harvest with a restrictive season would exceed the allowable harvest specified in the Canvasback Harvest Strategy.
Dunn added that scaup also are undergoing hard times.
“Waterfowl managers continue to be concerned about the status of scaup,” Dunn noted. “This year’s breeding population estimate for scaup was 27 percent below the long-term average. The USFWS is seeking a 25 percent reduction in scaup harvest commensurate with the status of this duck species. To maintain the diving duck hunting tradition on important scaup harvest areas, such as Lake Erie, we were allowed to implement a hybrid scaup season composed of a two-bird bag for 20 consecutive days during the 60-day duck season.”
Once again, young Pennsylvania hunters will be provided with a special day of waterfowl hunting on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Youth Waterfowl Day will be open to those 12-15 years of age who hold a junior hunting license. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During this special day-long hunt, youth can harvest ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens, as well as Canada geese, depending upon the zones that they are hunting in. Youth Waterfowl Day bag limits for ducks, mergansers and coots will be consistent with the limit for the regular season.
Also, this agency again will hold a special youth-only waterfowl hunting day at the controlled hunting blinds at both Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area. The youth day for Middle Creek is Nov. 15, for Pymatuning, Nov. 29. A special drawing of applications submitted by junior license holders will be held immediately before the regular drawing for goose blinds. Interested youth should use the same application on page 29 of the 2008-09 Digest. Only one application will be accepted per junior hunter.
Dunn noted that there have been modifications to the other migratory game bird seasons that previously were announced. All changes are reflected in the 2008-09 brochure. The seasons, including adjustments, are:
- There will be only three zones for managing Canada geese this year: the Southern James Bay Population, the Atlantic Population and Resident Population. For boundary zone descriptions, as well as season dates and bag limits for the early, regular and late Canada goose seasons, please see the listing at the end of this news release;
- Dove season dates are: Sept. 1-27, when hunting will start at noon and continue through sunset daily; and Oct. 25-Nov. 29, and Dec. 26-Jan. 1, with hunting hours a half-hour before sunrise until sunset. In all three seasons, the daily bag limit is 15, and the possession limit after opening day is 30;
- Pennsylvania’s woodcock season will open Oct. 18, and continue through Nov. 15. The daily limit is three, and the possession limit is six;
- A season for common snipe will run from Oct. 18 to Nov. 29. The daily limit is 8, and the possession limit is 16;
- Virginia and sora rail hunting will run Sept. 1-Nov. 8. Bag limits, which can be one species or combined, are 3 daily or 6 in possession. The season for king and clapper rails is closed; and
- Hunting for moorhen and gallinules will run from Sept. 1 to Nov. 8, and the bag limits are three daily and six in possession.
In addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as a “Duck Stamp,” signed in ink across its face. All waterfowl hunters, regardless of age, must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock, coots, moorhens, rails and snipe. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state migratory game bird license. The survey information is then forwarded to the USFWS.
“By answering the questions on the survey card, hunters will improve survey efficiency and the quality of information used to track the harvest of migratory birds for management purposes,” Dunn said.
Hunters must use non-toxic shot while hunting ducks, geese or coots in Pennsylvania. The use of decoys powered or operated by batteries or any other source of electricity is unlawful in Pennsylvania. Also, the use of any sort of artificial substance or product as bait or an attractant is prohibited.
Dunn noted that, although hunting hours have been extended to one-half hour after sunset for big game (except spring gobbler), as well as small game and furbearers, federal regulations prevail for waterfowl and migratory game birds and shooting hours for these species will continue to close at sunset. The only exception to this is during the early September Canada goose season, in which the USFWS has permitted states to extend the hunting hours to one-half hour after sunset, and the first part of the dove season (Sept. 1-27), when hunting hours are from noon through sunset.
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First 2008-2009 Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Begin Sept. 1
August 18, 2008
ANNAPOLIS — Today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2008-2009 early migratory game bird hunting seasons.
“The dove season, which marks the traditional start of hunting activity each year in Maryland, opens on Monday, Sept. 1, and continues through Oct. 11,” said Bill Harvey, DNR migratory game bird manager.
The second dove season runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 28. The third split dove season begins Dec. 20 and runs through Jan. 3. The daily bag limit for doves will remain at 12 for the 2008-2009 hunting season.
Maryland’s woodcock season is split into two segments, Nov. 8-28 and Jan. 16-24.
The early resident Canada goose season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15 in the eastern zone. In the western zone, the season will continue through Sept. 25. The daily bag limit is eight geese per day. During the early resident Canada goose season, hunters may use shotguns capable of holding more than three shotshells and shooting hours are extended to one-half hour past sunset.
September teal season begins Sept. 18 and continues through Sept. 27. Hunters should note that the boundary for the September teal season zone changed slightly last year, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/ewfchart.asp for the zone description. Shooting hours for the September teal season are sunrise to sunset.
All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license exempt, must obtain the HIP (Harvest Information Program) permit and the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp in addition to a general hunting license. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting migratory game birds. Migratory bird hunters are no longer required to sign and attach the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp to their hunting license. Hunters may now purchase licenses and stamps online by accessing the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.md.us.
All waterfowl hunters age 16 and over must possess the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). Hunters are still required to sign the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) and have it in their possession while hunting waterfowl. Hunters may obtain federal duck stamps at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and some DNR sport license agents.
Nontoxic shot is required for hunting rails, snipe, waterfowl, and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shot while hunting rails, snipe, waterfowl, and coots. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory bird hunting is listed in the free booklet Hunting and Trapping in Maryland 2008-2009 or on the DNR’s website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/index.asp.
For a table that lists the dates and bag limits for Maryland’s 2008-2009 early migratory game bird hunting seasons, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/weblesschart.asp. For a quick reference to the early resident Canada goose and September teal seasons and bag limits, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/ewfchart.asp. Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or through the Internet at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/.
Official shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all migratory game bird hunting EXCEPT for: (1) mourning dove during the first season segment, when shooting hours are from noon to sunset; (2) teal during the September teal season when shooting hours are sunrise to sunset; and (3) early (September) resident Canada goose season when shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
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Alabama Conservation Department Schedules Youth Dove Hunts
August 17, 2008
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces registration for the Eighth Annual Youth Dove Hunts begins Aug. 20 for the North Zone and Sept. 24 for the South Zone. To date, over 13,000 young hunters have participated in these annual hunts.
In cooperation with landowners, local volunteers, businesses and organizations, 54 dove hunts are scheduled in 28 counties throughout the state. To participate, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs.
Registration is necessary for all youth dove hunts. Before each hunt, there will be a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety. According to Conservation officials, dove hunting is a perfect way to introduce youngsters to the tradition of bird hunting and spend quality time with family members. “We encourage bird hunters to pass on the tradition to young people today so that future generations can also learn the enjoyment of the outdoors and dove hunting,” said Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Director Corky Pugh.
North Zone hunts begin Sept. 6 and South Zone hunts begin Oct. 4. South Zone counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile counties. The remaining counties are in the north zone. To register, contact the appropriate number listed below. Hunt schedules, contact information, and schedule changes or updates may be found on the Department’s Web site at http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/youth-hunts/youthdove.cfm.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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HIP Certification Required for North Dakota Migratory Bird Hunters
August 15, 2008
As early Canada goose season opens Aug. 15, and with dove, sandhill crane and regular waterfowl seasons soon to follow, migratory game bird hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting in North Dakota this fall.
HIP certification is required for all migratory bird hunters, regardless of age, before hunting ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves or woodcock.
Hunters who purchase a license through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office, website (gf.nd.gov), or instant licensing telephone number (800-406-6409) can easily get HIP certified.
Otherwise, hunters must call 888-634-4798, or log on to the Game and Fish website, and record the HIP number on their fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate.
Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year. However, hunters must HIP register in each state for which they are licensed before hunting migratory game birds.
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